Not to start a GMC vs Ram war but....

**lsickler** · 07-26-2020, 05:06 PM

Ok getting ready to pull the trigger on one of the following 2 trucks. Pulling a 260 RD, just the wife, a small dog and I.

GMC Sierra 2500 SLT
6.6L V8 Direct Injection with Variable Valve Timing Gas engine
3.73 rear axle ratio
10,650 lbs. GVWR
Integrated trailer brake controller
Integrated with the antilock brake system (ABS)
ProGrade Trailering System
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
Trailering wiring provisions for camper, 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer

Ram 2500 Laramie
6.4L Heavy Duty V8 HEMI® with MDS
8-Speed Automatic 8HP75-LCV Transmission
GVWR Packages: GVW Rating - 10,000 Pounds
3.73 Axle Ratio
Towing Technology Group
Blind-Spot w/Tag Trailer & Cross-Path Detection
Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Should I look at a the 4.10 rear end or is the 3.73 fine? I do live in Denver, CO and for vacation we mostly head west over the mountains.

They are pretty similar, I like the Ram maybe a bit more styling wise but that shifting dial is killing it for me. First and foremost let me know if I am missing anything. I had posted earlier on the GMC and most people thought it was totally appropriate for a 260RD.

On a side note, my wife and I were out shopping for trucks yesterday and 4 of the 5 GMC/Chevrolet dealers we went to had zero heavy duty trucks on the lot.

**bertschb** · 07-26-2020, 06:18 PM

Hah! You'll get 50 different opinions all worth about the same. Here's mine. First, I'd get a 3500. Not because you need it for the RV you're looking at but because you'll need it for your next RV. Since you want a gas engine, live in Denver and travel the west, I'd get 4:10 gears. As for brand....I'll let others jump into that mess.

**Tigger1** · 07-26-2020, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by lsickler

Ok getting ready to pull the trigger on one of the following 2 trucks. Pulling a 260 RD, just the wife, a small dog and I.
Should I look at a the 4.10 rear end or is the 3.73 fine? I do live in Denver, CO and for vacation we mostly head west over the mountains.
They are pretty similar, I like the Ram maybe a bit more styling wise but that shifting dial is killing it for me. First and foremost let me know if I am missing anything. I had posted earlier on the GMC and most people thought it was totally appropriate for a 260RD.
On a side note, my wife and I were out shopping for trucks yesterday and 4 of the 5 GMC/Chevrolet dealers we went to had zero heavy duty trucks on the lot.

I don’t own a HD truck but after reading your post maybe I can help by asking some questions.

If you get 15 responses from your post; 5 say GM, 5 say RAM, and 5 say Ford (even though you didn’t ask); which would you choose?

If you must tow in the mountains, which rear end would be best suited; 4.10 or 3.73?

If GM HD trucks (2500 or 3500) were readily available in your area, would you be looking at RAM?

I don’t know the answers. Just trying to help think it through. It’s an expensive decision.

**Stealth13777** · 07-26-2020, 07:29 PM

Does the GVW over 10k make a difference for registration in your area? Usually that’s medium duty territory, some places that means a big registration cost difference.

Does the loss of available payload in the Dodge (by the 650 lower GVW, plus the difference in truck weights) make a difference to your intended purpose for the truck?

Otherwise either is personal preference and you’ll get the same in responses. None of the HD trucks have major dealbreaker issue areas that I’m aware of.

**Rgkeaney** · 07-26-2020, 07:59 PM

I live in Denver also. Pull mainly west through Eisenhower tunnel or over Berthoud pass. Best thing I did was go to a diesel. Diesel cost by my house right now is $2.19 while gasoline is $2.49. Not saying that will change in future but I love pulling with the diesel. Tons of confidence.

My 1.76 cents worth.

2016 Ram 2500 Cummins
Anderson ultimate
2020 GD 31MB
Champion dual fuel 3500 generator
Steadyfast stabilizers
Dinosaur electronics ignitor board
Micro-air easy start

**lsickler** · 07-27-2020, 06:43 AM

Yea I am not so sure about the 10k on the RAM, if you go to Ramtrucks.com and use their towing tool it shows max payload at 2980 for the Laramie with standard box. GMC shows it at 3760, seems like from a pure spec's perspective the GMC is slightly better. I think I am going to call and put my order into today for the GMC they only want $500.00 down and say I can have my money back if I don't like it when it comes in.

**BreakfastinAmerica** · 07-27-2020, 09:40 AM

Buy the 3500, or join the very expensive club later......2nd truck club. You will probably get a different rv in the future, like many people.

**rymorg** · 07-27-2020, 02:50 PM

As someone who owned a 1/2 ton, then a 3/4 ton and now a 1 ton, I will leave the brand wars to others (I've owned Chevy/Ford/Ram), but will suggest that if the registration isn't a killer a 1 ton will probably save you $$ in the long run as you are less likely to need "more" truck. I guess there is always DRW....

**geotex1** · 07-27-2020, 03:25 PM

Go 1 ton.

Don't get lost in capability alone. You'll spend a lot of hours behind the wheel so comfort and ergonomics must be a large consideration! I have driven and towed with all of the Big 3, owned only GMs and RAM by conscious choice, and know my way around them...

**ba3jbrown** · 07-27-2020, 06:32 PM

I agree to the "Go 1 ton" if you are able. I'm a member of the 2nd truck club going from Ram 2500 to 3500 DRW. I also started with a bumper pull and graduated to the 5th wheel. Both trucks are Laramie 4x4 and cummins. I wish I'd just done the dually to begin with but at the end of the day it's only money. A loaded down dually is nice to tow with regardless of brand. Good luck.